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The Brant County Health Unit has issued a public safety alert following a recent rash of suspected opioid overdose deaths.
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According to the alert, the Brantford Police Service has responded to 19 opioid overdose incidents, including six deaths, from July 1 to 25.
Fentanyl and other unknown opiates appear to have contributed to the overdose deaths. The health unit has also received reports that opioids circulating in the community are more potent than usual. Non-opioid drugs can also be contaminated with opioids.
There have been 14 opioid deaths and 82 overdoses in Brantford-Brant so far this year. In 2021, there were 33 deaths and 182 overdoses.
The health unit advises that if you think someone is suffering from a drug overdose, call 911 immediately. If available, give the person naloxone, even if they did not intend to use opioids. Naloxone will not have any negative effects on someone who is not using opioids.
Naloxone is an emergency medicine that temporarily reverses the effects of an overdose of opioids, such as fentanyl, heroin, methadone, and morphine, as well as those caused by non-opioid drugs contaminated with opioids.
Naloxone may wear off before the person has fully recovered, so it is essential to call 911 and have them treated by emergency medical services.
If you have used drugs or have drugs in your possession, the Good Samaritan Law can protect you. The law provides immunity from simple possession charges for those who call 911 in the event of an overdose.
The law is in place to encourage and protect people who witness or experience an overdose so that they can seek help for themselves and others.
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To reduce the risk of overdose:
- Do not use alone. If you do, have someone check with you by phone or in person or call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677. The service will stay on your phone while you use it and call for help if needed.
- Go slow if you are using a new substance or have bought regular substances from a new supplier. Take a small test dose first to see how it affects you.
- Buy from a trusted supplier, if possible. Be especially careful if you’ve recently switched providers.
- Carry naloxone, even if you don’t expect to use opioids. The drugs may be contaminated with fentanyl.